Alutech/NovoDock dock levelers are one of the most important components of a loading terminal since they provide the main function – space covering and level difference compensation between the loading ramp and the cargo truck.

Use of dock levelers enables safe and efficient loading operations. Due to the dock leveler loading equipment can move in and out of the truck, which eliminates the need in manual work and significantly reduces the time required for loading operations.

The dock lever shall be selected in consideration of the dimensions of cargo trucks, acceptable loading angle and height of the loading ramp. In perfect conditions the ramp shall be located just a little above the cargo platform of most commonly used trucks. The maximum acceptable loading angle according to industrial safety rules requirements corresponds to the ratio of the platform working length to its height and shall not exceed 1:8 (12.5^o).

The leveler is installed in special hollow in the concrete ramp of the warehouse. The hollow dimensions are based on special drawings of the leveler installation. In certain cases levelers are built-in special transfer platform that is installed to the front side of the warehouse.

Advantages of Alutech/Novodock dock levelers

Design safety. Each Alutech/Novodock platform complies with European safety standards EN 1398 and is marked with CE sign. The design includes all required safety systems; the leveler is marked with warning markings.

Alutech/Novodock levelers are fitted with two primary lifting hydraulic cylinders that ensure protection of the leveler against distortion and breakdown with loading equipment on it.

Alutech/Novodock handling equipment was developed and manufactured by German company Novoferm special for the Alutech Group. Thus the Alutech Group and Novoferm ensure reliable operation of the equipment and its conformity to all declared characteristics.

Load capacity of the leveler is 60 kN (6 tons), thickness of the upper steel sheet of the leveler is 6-8 mm (for L300), 8-10 mm (for L500) and thickness of the lip is 12-14 mm. These are high technical properties ensuring reliable operation of the equipment throughout the entire service life.

Ease of selection and installation. Alutech/Novodock dock levelers are distinguished by the ease of the required size selection. This peculiarity positively affects the equipment price: you do not overpay for the excess sizes of the dock leveler.

Five variants (at option) of the leveler mounting frame provide a convenient installation of the equipment. Detailed information of the frame types can be found in “System Description” leaflets.

The Alutech Group offers two primary types of dock levelers:

• hydraulic dock levelers with telescopic lip L500;
• hydraulic dock levelers with folding (swing) lip L300.

Hydraulic dock levelers with telescopic lip L500

Levelers with telescopic lip are equipped with a hydroelectric drive that controls two primary cylinders: the first cylinder lifts the leveler and the second cylinder extends and returns lip to its normal position.

Upon the preparation of the dock leveler for operation, when it is raised to the required height, the access ramp is extended (max. extension length is 1m) without any steps and lowered on the sideboard of the truck within the accuracy of 1 cm. This is particularly important when one deals with a completely loaded truck when we have a minimum bearing area of the lip. During the transfer operations the lip and the leveler follow the height changes of the truck.

Hydraulic dock levelers with folding (swing) lip L300

Levelers with swing lip are equipped with a hydroelectric drive that controls two primary cylinders: the first cylinder lifts the leveler and the second cylinder folds and returns lip to its normal position.

Upon preparation of the dock leveler for operation it is raised to maximum height and the lip is folded. After this the ramp smoothly lowers on the truck sideboard representing an adjustable bridge between the fixed warehouse floor and body of the truck. The lip and the leveler follow the height changes of the truck during the transfer operations.